By Alabama Public Radio
Montgomery, AL – Legislation to rewrite Alabama's open meetings law is halfway through the legislative process. The state Senate unanimously approved the legislation Tuesday. Bill sponsor Senator Zeb Little says it represents the first major rewrite of Alabama's 1915 law that gives the public access to government meetings. The legislation also represents two years of work by Attorney General Troy King as well as associations representing county commissions, city councils, school boards and other organizations. The bill spells out which meetings must be open and how much public notice must be given before those meetings. The Senate also voted for legislation to give limited home rule to county commissions. Both bills now go to the House for consideration.